KIME NO KATA (Prearranged Forms of Self Defence)
Kime no kata was developed by the Kodakan at 1888. This series of prearranged forms of self defence contains 12 techniques from tachi waza (standing position), and 8 techniques from idori waza (kneeling posture). Both categories with a combined number of 20 techniques are used to defend against empty-handed and armed attacks.
List of Techniques
Idori Waza (Kneeling techniques)
- Ryote-dori
- Tsukkake
- Suri-age
- Yoko-uchi
- Ushiro-dori
- Tsukkomi
- Kiri-komi
- Yoko-tsuki
Tachi Waza (Standing techniques)
- Ryote-dori
- Sode-tori
- Tsukkake
- Tsuki-age
- Suri-age
- Yoko-uchi
- Ke-age
- Ushiro-dori
- Tsuki-komi
- Kiri-komi
- Nuki-kake
- Kiri-oroshi
Movement is the key that helps Judokas develop a healthy body. Jigoro Kano believed in this concept. While Kano practiced other sports like traditional Jujutsu, rowing, and baseball. He believed that these sports were incomplete in terms of physical education. Therefore, he opted for a different approach to finding an optimal solution that presents the opportunity to explore techniques that could be used for self-defence.
Kime no Kata was designed to give its user an effective, efficient, and basic way of defence, especially against unexpected attacks. The sole purpose of Kime no kata is to teach principles of defence, counter-attack, and efficient body movement.
This form of Kata is based on both defence and attacks and represents formality and tradition. The illustration signifies the old days of the Samurai. During combat situations, they would target vital areas of the body.
Kime no kata was also called Shinken Shobu no Kata, which refers to real fighting. This illustration employs various weapons that were used in Japan in the time of Kano. Kime no kata represents the Tenshin Shinyo Ryo information, and that is why Kime no Kata shares some resemblance with it.
With ethereal context and lofty form, Kime no kata focused on high-form art. The participants in this kata use leverage, push-pull, momentum, and grabbing. The two opponents demonstrate the kata by using techniques that signify motion and rhythm.
Kano started his journey with the Kito Ryu and Tenshin Shinyo concepts and therefore, he wanted to transfer that knowledge within and through Kime no kata, giving future generations a sense of what old Ryu was like. This is also preserved in the Kodokan syllabus.
Kata’s, in general, gives Judoka a good understanding of the techniques and it is a vital part of Judo.
